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101 Questions About Homosexuality Fielded in New Book

Michael FoustBaptist Press

200411 Oct

COMMENTS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Are people born homosexual? Can a homosexual really change? Have scientists yet found the "gay gene"?

Focus on the Family's Mike Haley tackles these and other questions in a new book simply titled, "101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality" (Harvest House, 217 pages). The book, intended as a quick resource guide, is aimed at a broad audience – from those struggling with homosexuality to those desiring a better understanding of the current-day debate over homosexuality.

The questions were collected from participants at Focus on the Family's "Love Won Out" conferences, which proclaim the Gospel truth that homosexuals can change. A former homosexual himself, Haley is married and has two sons.

"A lot of people in the Christian community are afraid to reach out and are afraid to do anything because they're afraid that they're either going to condone people's behavior or look hateful," Haley told Baptist Press. "I think this book really helps people to understand that you can maintain a biblical stand and yet reach out to these people, and do so lovingly without compromising on your beliefs."

The questions, categorized by subject, deal with a host of topics. Each answer spans roughly one or two pages. Some examples:

What's wrong with homosexuals adopting? "Same-sex parents will inevitably give a child an incomplete understanding of and appreciation for the differences in gender," Haley writes.

Is 10 percent of the population homosexual? "No ... The 10 percent myth continues to be bandied about by the media, even though some members of the gay community have admitted outright they used it fraudulently for social and political gain," he writes.

How will the ex-homosexual community react if a "gay gene" is found? "It wouldn't be the first dangerous or destructive behavior tied to genetics: violence, alcoholism and depression are just a few that may have such roots," Haley writes.

The book has 12 chapters, including ones on "answering culture," "answering theology" and "answering science." The first half of the book includes answers for those who are either struggling with homosexuality or who have homosexual friends or family members. One chapter includes "answers for the church."

In many instances, Haley suggests additional resource for the person who wants to dig deeper. The final chapter, in fact, includes a list of recourses and ministries for those wanting to come out of homosexuality.

"What I try to do is just provide the information for anybody that would pick up the book – whether they're Christian or not," Haley said.